Maoto vs Jojo in F/town south

SHARE | Wednesday, 19 July 2017 | By Shingirai Madondo

Maoto, Mmolotsi and Lucas

The number of candidates expected to take part in the much-anticipated Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) primary elections for Francistown South in October this year has been reduced to only two, the Patriot on Sunday has learnt. At the beginning, five democrats had thrown their names into the hat but some have since dropped out. It is now up to Khumongwana Maoto and Modiri Jojo Lucas to fight it out in the looming primary elections. July 17 has been set as the deadline for BDP members willing to take part in the Bulela Ditswe in the constituencies under the opposition grip. Francistown South is one of the nineteen constituencies in the hands of the opposition. Although the BDP Francistown regional chairperson, Baemedi Medupi was yet to confirm the exact number of candidates who have registered for Bulela Ditswe slated for October this year, this publication has established that the race is between two candidates. “The deadline is July 17. However, I am still to confirm the names of the candidates who have registered for the primaries,” said Medupi, adding that candidates might register on the deadline since Batswana are used to a last-minute rush.

When contacted for a comment, Lucas confirmed that the race has been reduced to himself and Maoto only after other democrats decided to withdraw from the race. He said he registered on Thursday morning. “I have paid the P5 000 requirement upon registration,” confirmed Jojo. He said he has done his homework and is ready to be involved in a clean battle with Maoto to win the candidature for Francistown South in the 2019 general elections. Lucas said: “I am young and vibrant. And my desire to work extra hard in order to pass the first hurdle of winning the primary elections. After the primaries, I would like to work extra hard and wrestle the constituency from the opposition.” Wynter Mmolotsi of the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) is the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP). Lucas is optimistic that Mmolotsi could be fairly challenged by a young man of his caliber. For his part, Maoto confirmed that the race seems to have been confined to him and Lucas. “I am always in though I am yet to register since the registration forms arrived late in Francistown,” Maoto said.